Pesky Pests in Rental Properties
Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) the causes of pest infestation and the impact on the tenant is high on the agenda and is one of the 29 Hazards. Health hazards due to poor design, layout and construction can make it hard for the occupant to keep the property clean and hygienic, and as a result pests can be attracted.
The HHSRS takes into consideration the following: -
Access into and harbourage within the dwelling for pests
Insect infestation (e.g., cockroaches) and infections (spread by insects and rats and mice)
Access into and harbourage within the dwelling for pests
Inadequate and unhygienic provision for storage and disposal of household waste.
Inadequately stored/accumulated refuse allowing access for insects, rodents, pests, birds, squirrels, foxes
Service ducts and holes around pipes e.g., central heating harbour insects and provide access between dwellings in blocks
Access to open drains by rodents
Access for rodents by means of ill-fitting doors and windows
Uneven and/or cracked internal walls and/or ceilings allowing access for pests
Missing/damaged brickwork including airbricks to external walls and other disrepair to external walls and roof
Therefore, it is up to the landlord to ensure that the property is fit for human habitation.
The Queen’s Speech brings back into focus The Renter’s Reform Bill
As a result of the Pandemic, proposed legislation has been put on the back burner. The Queen’s Speech brings back into focus the Renter’s Reform Bill, the Briefing Document highlights the main elements of the Bill which are as follows:-
● Abolishment of the so-called ‘no fault’ evictions by removing Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This has been a very key topic, but the general feeling is that with the private rented sector having almost doubled in size in the past 10 years, this is will be welcome news for tenants.
● Reforming Section 8 and the possession grounds for landlords, introducing new and stronger grounds for repeated incidences of rent arrears and reducing notice periods for anti-social behaviour. Amending the Section 8 notice will need to consider what happens when a landlord needs to move back in or sell their property.
● Application of the legally binding Decent Homes Standard in the Private Rented Sector giving tenants safer, better quality and better value homes.
● The introduction of a new Ombudsman for private landlords so that disputes can easily be resolved without the need to go to court.
● The introduction of a new property portal to help landlords understand their obligations and to give tenants performance information to hold their landlord accountable.
The Importance of CPD
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a combination of approaches, ideas and techniques that will help an individual manage their own learning and growth. Since the publication of the ROPA working group’s report in 2019, CPD has been at the forefront of many agents training agenda. As the property sector awaits with bated breath confirmation that one day in the future the English Government will legislate making qualification mandatory, CPD has become a staple. The requirement for updates and a need not to be isolated throughout the three lockdowns, saw agents register at least 100 hours on webinars.
Why is CPD so important?
CPD essentially ensures that an individual can continue to be proficient and competent in their profession while also providing them with essential skills that could help them progress with their career.
These terms are often used interchangeably, though there is a distinction. As a rule, training is formal. It’s to do with learning how to do something specific, relating to skill and competence. Development is often informal and has a wider application, giving you the tools to do a range of things and relating to capability and competency. It involves progression from basic know-how to more advanced, mature or complex understanding. CPD can also be about widening the range of transferable skills like leadership or project management.